US Virgin Islands Saint John

Cruz Bay, United States Virgin Islands

St. John is the smallest, the least populated, and the least developed of the three main Virgins. And, as the United States Virgin Islands National Park covers about 55% of the island, it will remain so for many years to come. The national park makes St. John the nature lover’s walking paradise of the USVI. Marked and maintained trails wind their way along the coastline by mangrove thickets, onto pebbled beaches, and out to rocky overlooks.
Other trails go into the mountains through the rich vegetation of moist and dry tropical forests and up to summits for rewarding views of the Caribbean Sea, the USVI, and the nearby BVI. With nearly 10,000 acres to explore, it is almost impossible to feel crowded on St. John. On many trails, and a few of the beaches, you can go for days without seeing anyone.

"St. John is the smallest, the least populated, and the least developed of the three main Virgins. And, as the United States Virgin Islands National Park covers about 55% of the island, it will remain so for many years to come. The national park makes St. John the nature lover’s walking paradise of the USVI. Marked and maintained trails wind their way along the coastline by mangrove thickets, onto pebbled beaches, and out to rocky overlooks.

Other trails go into the mountains through the rich vegetation of moist and dry tropical forests and up to summits for rewarding views of the Caribbean Sea, the USVI, and the nearby BVI. With nearly 10,000 acres to explore, it is almost impossible to feel crowded on St. John. On many trails, and a few of the beaches, you can go for days without seeing anyone."

Recent Trail Reviews

On my caribbean cruise I had a chance to pop over to St. Johns for a quick 1/2 day hike. I must admit made my own trail along the edge of the state park and up a river but I had a great time! If your interested in seeing my pics or a video of my journey in St. Johns USVI, you can see it on my website www.hikingcampingtrails.com

Nice easy hikes around the island.
The trail from Cruz Bay to Caneel Bay is easy and pleasant. Don't bother with the $5 bus.
The trail from the central road down to Reef Bay is a pleasant down hill through dramatic trees to a lovely little beach. The side-trail to the petroglyphs is easy and interesting. Walking around the old sugar plantation yields a sense of the old plantation. The hike back up is somewhat strenuous, and it is difficult to catch a bus back to town - book one before descending or book the boat back with the park service.
There is a nice little trail up to an old sugar mill from Denis Bay beach. Views from the top are excellent.

Good morning,
Pleasant hike through the Caribbean woods down to a beautiful secluded beach. Downhill easy-- nice NPARK signs on specimen trees etc. -- recommend go right oversmall hill to beach area on the right side at bottom (right before sugar mill ruins). Baby sharks patrolling beach were cool. The last 1/2 mile of the uphill is strenous and warm.
Nat Park service offers guided tour with boat return so no uphill climb.